Patient Information
As this is a cardiology specialists clinic, Medicare or Veteran Affairs can only be legally claimed if you have a valid referral from another doctor, usually your GP. Therefore, when attending one of our clinics, whether you are a new patient or have been before, it is your responsibility to ensure that your referral is valid. If you arrive for your consultation without a current and valid referral, you cannot claim from Medicare or Veteran Affairs. You can either choose to pay in full for your appointment as scheduled or have the appointment rescheduled to a time when you have the required referral.
It is important to bring your Medicare or Veteran Affairs card, and any
concession cards you may have, in order to claim the Medicare or Veterans rebate.
If for any reason you are unable to attend your appointment, we would
appreciate a phone call as soon as possible so that this time slot can be made available to another patient.
If you are seeing one of our Doctors for the first time, you have the option of filling in the “Patient Information form” below and emailing it to us or alternatively you can bring it in with you when you come.
Making an appointment
As soon as we receive your referral, our team carefully reviews it, and a member of our administrative staff will reach out to schedule your appointment. If you have not heard from the clinic within 5 business days, please feel free to give us a call and we will endeavour to assist you.
When booking your appointment, please let us know if you have any language or communication needs so we can provide the necessary support.
What to bring to your appointment
Please bring the following to your appointment:
- Medicare card
- Private health insurance
- Concessional card
- List of medications
- Test results
Billing
We require full payment for your consultation on the day. You can pay in cash, or have the full amount for your consult direct debited from your bank account, then reimbursed immediately by Medicare or Veterans Affairs, minus the gap.
Please ensure that your bank details are registered with Medicare. This can be done by simply calling Medicare on 132150.
Fees
Our cardiologists operate as independent practitioners, so their fees may vary. When booking your appointment, our team will provide an estimated cost. If you have any questions about our fee structure, our administrative staff will be happy to assist.
Please note that Medicare or Veteran Affairs are the insurers for outpatient care. Private health funds do not cover outpatient consultations and investigations.
If you then require subsequent Private inpatient care with one of our cardiologists, they all participate in a ‘No Gap Scheme’ with all major private health funds. If your policy includes full coverage for cardiology services, the fees will be covered. We encourage patients to check with their health fund for specific details
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the rooms on 8250 9050 to let us know and we will reschedule your appointment.
Privacy Policy
At Northern Cardiology we aim to provide you with the best possible care. We appreciate your cooperation and understand that information provided to us is highly personal and needs special care and protection. Our Practice is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. This obligation rests not only with the Doctors but with all members of our Staff who have access to this information – all of whom have signed confidentiality agreements.
Collection of information
Staff members will record the following information in your file:
- Full name, date of birth, addresses and phone numbers – to allow correct identification of files, appointments and questions and to enable us to contact you when necessary.
- Medicare number /Health Fund details – necessary for account purposes.
- Pension, Veterans or Health Care Card details – to enable you to claim appropriate concessions.
- Medical details – allergies, past history, medications.
- Referring Doctor’s name and address – to enable us to communicate with your referring Doctor and for you to obtain your Medicare rebate.
If you are unable to provide us with the above information, we would have genuine concerns that we could not offer you the best standard of care.
Storage & disposal of information
- The majority of our files are stored digitally on secure servers and password protected software. Any paper files are stored onsite in a locked compactus and offsite at a secure facility.
- Only authorised personnel may access these files. Obsolete information is destroyed with your identity protected.
Disclosure of information
Your Cardiologist will write to your referring Doctor summarizing the findings and recommendations from your consultation. Copies of this letter may be sent to other Doctors involved in your care to ensure they are informed of your condition.
Your information may also be related to other health providers if deemed to be in your best interest.
Occasionally we are obliged by law to release details relating to statutory requirements or public health matters – this information is kept strictly confidential.
In all other circumstances your written consent is required before we disclose information to a third party.
Upon your request, your records will readily be made directly available to any Doctor who needs them to provide a second opinion to establish your cardiac status.
Welcome to Northern Cardiology and Specialists' Clinic
Clinic Hours: Mon - Fri 8.30am-4.30pm